Pakistan v India

At Peshawar, March 19, 2004. Pakistan won by four wickets. Toss: Pakistan.

What a difference a bowler's pitch makes. On a rugged surface, much like the surrounding
terrain, a target of 245 looked as menacing as 300-plus in the earlier games. India seemed unlikely
to get even that when they were condemned to 37 for three by Shabbir Ahmed. His height and
high-arm action were perfect for the conditions, though his opening over contained six wides and
two no-balls - plus a wicket. Tendulkar, like Sehwag, fell to a splendid delivery that jagged away,
while Laxman was worked over and then bowled through the gate. Yuvraj Singh revived the cause
with a superbly paced 65, and Balaji thrashed 21 off 12 balls. Pathan extended the fightback with
two quick wickets, and Pakistan were soon 65 for four. Yasir Hameed, the home-town boy, scored
a 98 of composure and beauty before he too fell to Pathan, at a delicate 173 for six. But Abdul
Razzaq made an irresistible run-a-ball fifty and, once he escaped a stinging caught-and-bowled
chance to Tendulkar at 200, the match was in the bag.

ABOUT COOKIES

We use cookies to help make this website better, to improve our services and for advertising purposes. You can learn more about our use of cookies and change your browser settings in order to avoid cookies by clicking here. Otherwise, we'll assume you are OK to continue.